YWCA

Educating Youth – $183,750
The YWCA’s Educating Youth Program (EYP) provides high-quality, evidence supported, out-of-school time programs for free or on a sliding scale (SKIPP only). Provided at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC) in East Knoxville, EYP relies on mutually-respectful relationships with high-risk, minority (97%) students and families to encourage improvement and ensure positive outcomes. Focused on addressing the root causes of academic and behavioral problems, EYP offers both short- and long-term solutions through creative, recreation-based methods.

Health & Fitness Club W – $30,000
This program is designed for individuals who have never sought physical fitness before, particularly people who are low-income, struggle with mental illness, feel inadequate or embarrassed about their lack of physical fitness experience, and have one or more health issues (obesity, high-risk pregnancy, tobacco use, diabetes, diseases of the heart).

Reach Program – $40,000
The YWCA’s Reach Program will offer structured, incentivized internships to high-risk youth, aged 15-18, in East Knoxville at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC). Created as a response to youth-expressed needs and supported by evidence, Reach will offer academic assistance and accountability, marketable job skills and experience, and soft skills (conflict management, professionalism, financial literacy). As a result, youth at risk of academic failure, drop out, community violence, gang affiliation, and trauma will be equipped with essential skills needed to navigate employment and seek independence.

Reducing Chronic Absenteeism – $36,000
The YWCA’s Chronic Absenteeism Reduction Program (ReCAb) will provide high-quality, effective, evidence-supported, and targeted case management for students with significant absenteeism at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Community Center (PWC). Through creative and strategic methods (solution- focused and peer-led), ReCAb will provide individualized assistance and Knoxville’s most vulnerable students using evidence-supported practices and strong individual and community relationships. Mentorship to students struggling with the underlying circumstances of their chronic absenteeism. Focused on the promotion of academic achievement and long-term goal setting, ReCAb will effectively reduce absenteeism among Knoxville’s most vulnerable students using evidence-supported practices and strong individual and community relationships.

Supporting Youth Experiencing Trauma – $20,000
The program will address trauma experienced by youth in Knox County and will utilize the Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) Program, an evidence-based, best practice curriculum and a streamlined referral process for youth who have experienced trauma or exhibit trauma-related behaviors.

Victim Advocacy – $57,000
The Victim Advocacy Program is safety-driven to reduce risk, support victims, educate community members, and prevent domestic violence.

Women’s Housing – $82,948
The Women’s Housing Program (WHP) provides at-risk women with an affordable safe, supportive, focused environment necessary to address life-long problems and obstacles. The WHP promotes financial stability and independence among homeless women and those at risk of homelessness through transitional housing and comprehensive services. The only program of its kind in East Tennessee, the WHP houses 58 women at a time for a weekly fee of $60 for up to 24 months.

“We’re a free, confidential service. I think that’s something that’s just amazing about our program. The victim’s biggest thing is safety – that’s what they’re searching for, and that’s what we provide.”